The 2018 Ram 2500 vs 2018 GMC Sierra 2500

Introduction

Heavy-duty pickup trucks are a fixture on job sites, especially in the hardworking heartland. They're essential equipment for whatever you're hauling, loading, unloading, and they're relied on by serious trailer-towers and contractors in every state. But today's models are more than utility vehicles; they're also stylish and comfortable. When it comes time for a new truck, two heavy-duty names rule: Ram 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500. We put them head to head, and it's obvious that the Ram 2500 takes the top spot. The 2018 Ram 2500 really needs to be appreciated in person, and your Kansas City Ram truck dealer has it in stock!

Trim Levels

The new 2018 Ram 2500 features many different trims. It's also available with either diesel or gas engines. The lineup starts with the $32,545 Tradesman.

Ram 2500 Tradesman. The base trim for the 2018 Ram 2500 offers plenty of room, fitting up to six people with vinyl 40/20/40 split-bench front seats. Crew cabs feature an under-seat rear storage compartment and in-floor rear cargo compartment for even more space. A 3.5-inch driver information digital cluster display, six speaker Radio 3.0 system, and back-up safety camera are standard.

Ram 2500 SLT. This handsome trim includes both front and rear chrome. The upholstery is upgraded to a soft, supple cloth. A traveler/mini trip computer, compass, and temperature displays are added, as is SiriusXM Satellite radio.

Ram 2500 Big Horn. This trim brings even more metal, with a chrome grille, chrome billets and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, which can be upgraded to 20-inch. The 10-way power driver seat with two-way lumbar adjustment is extraordinarily comfortable. Possible upgrades include rear auto-level air suspension, a fold-flat load floor in Crew Cab models, and an upgraded Uconnect system with 8.4-inch touchscreen.

Ram 2500 Laramie. This trim features an upgraded 10-way power seat with memory for the driver and a six-way power seat for the front passenger. The seats are ventilated, heated, and trimmed with leather. The 7-inch driver information digital display is fully customizable, and the wood grain instrument panel accent adds class to the cabin. It also features a Uconnect 4C with 8.4-inch touchscreen and nine-speaker Alpine audio system with subwoofer.

Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn. This upscale trim features heated, ventilated, and laser-etched front bucket seats made of the finest Natura Plus leather. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats are also leather and heated, and everything from the center console to the doors to the leather-wrapped steering wheel is accented or trimmed with real wood, suede, or genuine leather. Available upgrades include a cargo-view camera and rear auto-level air suspension.

Ram 2500 Power Wagon. With 33-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires, gas-charged monotube shocks, and hill descent control feature, this trim is made to go where other trucks can't. Its front and rear axles feature an electronic locking mechanism, and it also has an electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar. The electronic WARN winch is rated up to 12,000 pounds and comes with 90 feet of cable.

Ram 2500 Limited. This premium trim features a luxurious full-grain leather interior with real wood trim and suede headliner. All the best features are standard here, as are 20-inch painted aluminum wheels with chrome pockets, rear auto-level air suspension, and remote keyless Enter 'n Go technology with start/stop buttons. The Class-exclusive RamBox Cargo Management System is also available.

The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 is only available in four trims: the Sierra, SLE, SLT, and Denali. It is available with regular, extended, or crew cabs. Considering the base GMC Sierra model starts at $34,800, you definitely get more heavy-duty truck for your dollar with the 2018 Ram 2500.

Performance

The Ram 2500 is a beast right out of the gate, with a 383-horsepower 5.7L HEMI V8 engine coming standard. Upgrade that to the best-in-class 6.4L HEMI V8 gas engine or the Legendary 6.7L Cummins Turbo diesel engine, and you have more power than you know what to do with. In terms of towing capacity, the Ram 2500 starts at 13,890 pounds. Upgrading to the diesel engine ratchets your potential up to nearly 18,000 pounds.

To compete with that, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 needs to be upgraded to its 6.6L turbodiesel engine, which can be prohibitively expensive.

Exterior

The 2018 Ram 2500 looks stylish even as it remains the hardest working truck on the road. Upgrades include wheel-to-wheel sidesteps, box rail caps, power exterior mirrors, and a tonneau cover. The RamBox Cargo Management System is one of the most popular upgrades. If you plan on hauling heavy-duty loads, the Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck prep package is a must. It is a factory-installed, rear axle structural crossmember that allows you to hitch your trailer directly to the frame of your Ram 2500. It's available in four different cab configurations, with beds ranging from 6 feet, 4 inches up to a full 8 feet.

The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500, by contrast, doesn't offer the same proprietary features as the Ram. It's only available in three different cab configurations.

Interior

Whether you go with the standard two-door Regular Cab, the spacious Crew Cab, or the sumptuous Mega Cab, the 2018 Ram 2500 features a warm and winning interior. Depending on the trim, the specific amenities will vary, but they are universally of the highest quality, with real wood accents and leather upholstery available. The available Uconnect systems and the standard six-speaker sound system with Bluetooth and USB port insure you and your passengers will never be at a loss for entertainment… or ever lost at all!As for the competition, the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 has been called out by auto industry reviewers for its unexciting cabin design.

Safety Features

A back-up camera is standard in all 2018 Ram 2500 trims, and most models features an electronic trailer brake controller and tire-pressure monitoring system. Other safety features are available, helping earn the 2018 Ram 2500 a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 performed similarly according to the NHTSC, with a four-star rating overall and a three-star score in its rollover test.

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